This Christmas Popcorn Recipe is quick, easy and festive. It can also be formed into popcorn balls, if desired. It's a simple sauce that is gooey and delicious, drizzled over DOTS, cashews and mini marshmallows.
Why This Recipe is the Best
The mini marshmallows melt just a tiny bit for the perfect texture. The biggest drawback of this popcorn is I can't stop reaching for more!
We love pairing this on a dessert table with Christmas Rice Krispie Treats or White Chocolate Peppermint Puppy Chow, and Christmas White Trash Snack Mix.
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Key Ingredients
Below is a list of ingredients needed for this recipe. Follow our tips on each ingredient for the best results.
- Popcorn - Plain, popped popcorn. I use my air popper. Sometimes you can find plain microwave popcorn bags
- Mini marshmallows - The marshmallows are what make this recipe extra yummy. Some of them melt all the way, and some just melt partway, leaving these gooey little pockets of goodness.
- DOTS - We have tested this recipe with a variety of things, and you can replace these with anything similar - our favorite is chopped up cinnamon bears or Santas.
- Cashews - These add such a great crunch and some savory to this sweet treat.
- Corn syrup - We tested this recipe extensively to create the best, gooiest sauce, and corn syrup was a must for the proper texture.
- Sugar - We used regular granulated sugar for this recipe, but you could trade half of it out for brown sugar for a bit of a caramel type flavor.
How to Make this Christmas Popcorn Recipe
Start by putting your unflavored popped popcorn in a bowl. I don't have a large enough bowl to fit 6 quarts and have room to mix, so I use 2 bowls. I use an air popper and use about ¾ cup popcorn kernels. Measure out the DOTS, cashews, and marshmallows on top of the popcorn, but don't mix them in.
- On a stovetop over medium heat, add the butter, sugar, and corn syrup. Bring to a boil, then, stirring constantly, boil 2 minutes, no longer.
- Immediately drizzle over the popcorn and toppings and mix to combine. Some of the marshmallows will melt completely, and some won't melt at all, but both ways just add to the wonderful texture of this popcorn.
- Spread onto waxed paper, parchment paper, or a silicone baking mat. Allow to cool for a few minutes, then form into balls if desired.
Top Tips
Try out some other add-ins. We love this with Red Hots or Cinnamon Bears. My mother-in-law likes to add sunflower seeds, and they are delicious!
Do not boil for longer than 2 minutes, or it will change the texture.
Recipe
Christmas Popcorn Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 quarts plain popcorn popped
- 4 cups mini marshamallows
- 1 large box of DOTS holiday colors recommended, cut in half
- 1 ½ cups cashews
For the sauce:
- 10 Tablespoons butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup corn syrup
Instructions
- Measure plain popped popcorn into an extra large bowl or 2 large bowls. Leave room for mixing. Measure out the DOTS, cashews and marshmallows on top of the popcorn, but don't mix in.
- On a stovetop over medium heat add the butter, sugar and corn syrup. Bring to a boil, then stirring constantly boil 2 minutes, no longer.
- Immediately drizzle over the popcorn and toppings and mix to combine. Some of the marshmallows will melt completely, and some won't melt at all, but both ways just add to the wonderful texture of this popcorn.
- Spread onto waxed paper, parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Allow to cool a few minutes, then form into balls if desired.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Variations and Substitutions
We love switching things up when we're in the kitchen. Try any of these variations for something a little different.
- DOTS - not a lover of DOTS? Try gum drops or cut up cinnamon bears for a fun alternative.
- Use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a caramel-y taste and texture.
- Nuts - Use any type of nut instead of cashews. Peanuts, pecans, walnuts, almonds, etc.
- Extra gooey- 12 Tablespoons butter, 1 ¼ cups sugar, and 1 ¼ cups corn syrup. For extra extra gooey, 14 Tablespoons butter, 1 ½ cups sugar, and 1 ½ cups corn syrup. Directions are the same.
How to Store Christmas Popcorn
This stores great! Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. We do not recommend freezing this recipe.
JCW says
This is easily the best popcorn recipe I've had. We used the cinnamon bears cut up and it was soooo good. Perfect flavor, perfect texture. Highly recommend.